Angels for ALS Gala Review

The dust is finally settling on the Angels for ALS Gala.  What an incredible ride it has been.  The Belmar Center lease was signed on June 16, 2006, thus committing us to full-time planning for this event.  Four months later on October 14, 2006 we experienced one of the most rewarding, emotional and successful events of our lives.

Jennifer and our incredible army of committee members and volunteers spent the afternoon decorating and organizing for the gala that evening.  At home, I was still working on seating arrangements and fielding calls.  I did manage to sneak in a nap to save some energy for the evening.

We arrived at about 5:30 p.m. in order to address any last-minute details.  This was my first opportunity to view the venue in its entire splendor.  From previous experience, I brought my walker which has a seat on it.  It would be a very long night if I had to stand for the whole evening.

As we entered the elevator that took us up to the vestibule, a rush of excitement and nervousness overwhelmed me.  The doors opened and our trusty volunteers were busy at work setting up the registration tables.  Behind them the dining room remained closed.  Jennifer and I made our way out to the terrace where the silent auction was set up.

It was just beautiful.  Lights twinkled above our heads as we gazed over the tables draped in black and tastefully covered with 105 graciously donated items up for bid.  The tables also had black and red painted “Angel” and “Believe” signs carved out of wood, emphasizing our theme for the evening.  Each auction item was meticulously described and/or displayed. What an amazing first impression!

Guests began filtering in while I was able to absorb the joyful look on their faces as they experienced their first impression.  Everyone looked incredible decked out in their suits, tuxedos, cocktail dresses and gowns.  It was such a privilege to greet people as they came in and thank them for attending.  Soon the area was buzzing with guests scribbling in their bids and having wonderful discussions.  Delicious appetizers were hand served to the mingling crowd.

Jennifer and I strategically separated so we could visit with as many people as possible.  I sat in my walker right in the middle of the auction area so I could catch people as they walked by.  Jennifer fluttered around like a butterfly, gracefully greeting everyone she could.  Time flew by and according to the schedule we needed to shut the auction down and move into the dining room.  It seemed as though things were just getting started so we extended the time another 15 minutes.  All too soon, we had to get the dinner program started, therefore ending the silent auction.

Enormous blinds were lifted exposing the elegantly decorated Main Ballroom.  It seemed as though our guests did not want to leave the Terrace, however, dinner beckoned.  The walls were decorated with large photographs of Extra Hands for ALS families and volunteers, tastefully outlined in black with red trim.  The tables were adorned with stylish centerpieces, black linens and white place settings.

Appetizers and dinner were catered by Gourmet Fine Catering and received accolades for days after the gala.  Apparently, people expect rubberized chicken and soggy vegetables at these types of events as opposed to our succulent meal.  With the decadent caramel cheesecake and coffee being served, the evening’s program began.

Angie Austin and Chris Parente from KWGN/CW2 Morning News co-emceed the event with flare and wit offering light moments as well as emotional praise.  Angie has been a dear friend to us for five years and brilliantly suggested Chris for her counterpart.  Together they were a terrific team and we are truly grateful for their time and generosity.

Next, our CEO for Extra Hands, Jim Presbrey was introduced and provided the general greeting and introduction of our organization to the mix of 255 attendees.  Jim is from New Jersey and made a point to arrive two days early to help us with the final plans.  His eloquent and sincere presentation offered an air of integrity to the gala as well as setting the tone for the whole evening.

We then had the opportunity to address the audience.  I had to take a moment and absorb the whole atmosphere with the venue and all the incredible people glimmering in the warm candlelight.  Jennifer greeted everyone and thanked them for attending along with encouraging everyone to introduce themselves to someone they didn’t know.  We believe in the power of positive influence and all these people had something to offer someone else.  I closed with several definitions of the word “Angel” when used in the human sense and the description that stood out the most was the act of being selfless.  We were definitely among angels on this night!

In a shroud of secrecy, three of our student volunteers from Cherry Creek High School and founders of their Extra Hands for ALS club had been planning a presentation and video for the gala.  At last we were able to hear and see the fruits of their labor and love.

They had prepared a heartfelt speech in which Addie, Cynden and Aly all had roles.  The words spoke from their heart and touched us deeply.  A standing ovation followed and then their video presentation.  They had interviewed several Extra Hands families, mentors and volunteers.  The participants expressed their sincere gratitude for the program in a way that made it real for all guests attending.  We have watched it three times since the gala and are continually moved.

This turned out to be one of the key elements in the program.  It showed how much these students were emotionally involved in Extra Hands and the people they are affecting.  It was also evident how they were affected in such a positive manner by the families and mentors involved.  That is the magic of this organization.

The live auction ensued with the donated items of a Lasik eye procedure, a bronze angel sculpture, professional wall glazing, a week stay in High Country Club property and finally a private plane ride over the Rockies.  The auction was a bit confusing, but fun and quite successful.

Extra Hands has partnered, in essence, with an ALS research laboratory called the ALS Therapy Development Foundation (ALSTDF), located in Boston, Massachusetts.  Mat Mendel, Event Development Director, introduced a video from the Founder, Jaime Haywood of ALSTDF in which he described the efforts of their organization and the importance of research.  Mat arrived a day early to help and his presence added even more integrity to this event.  This was followed by an auction for research minutes in which over $12,000 was raised!

It was a long program, but with all the right features.  We were able to recognize some very inspirational people with trophies for Outstanding Students (Addie, Cynden and Ally), Mentor (Lisa Terry) and Family (Chris Hoeffner) as well as special recognition for Courage (Ellen) and participation (Suzanne Bellis) in honor of her late husband John Bellis.  She sponsored three tables of ten for the gala.  We were also able to recognize our own student volunteers, Carly and Allie, who opted to forego their Senior Homecoming in order to attend this event.  That meant more than they will ever know.

One by one the student volunteers present at the gala were invited to come forward for a plaque presentation.  Nineteen students shared the stage.  It was incredible to have them there and show the audience that these lives were a large part of why they were there supporting Extra Hands for ALS.  Mentors were then recognized in the same manner for their dedication to the organization.  Thank you, all.

With that, the formal program closed and the rest of the evening was opened for dancing to the music spun by DJ, Barry Sterling from Sterling Entertainment.  Most of the students jumped right in with many others and then the night ended all too early.

We simply cannot thank everyone sufficiently for their participation with this event.  We had an incredible team of gala committee members along with volunteers who gave up their Saturday night to work during the evening.  Over a dozen companies donated services and there were about 100 individuals and/or companies that donated items for the silent and live auctions.  The attending guests were both generous and gracious and hopefully had a joyous and memorable time.

Finally, we got to honor the people that make Extra Hands for ALS more than just a vision and turn it into a reality that is changing lives for the better and making a real difference in the fight against ALS.  Pictures will be added to our site, shortly.  Thank you all for this very special night.

P.S.  Just in case anyone was curious, we grossed over $88,500 and netted almost $70,000 with funds still trickling in!  That is a return rate of over 78.5%.  Not bad for a first year event.  Wait ‘til next year.  We can’t wait to see you there!